A Movie and A Smoothie

This past Friday evening I was having a conversation about food - well, most of my conversations center around food - and my friend asked if I had seen the documentary "Forks Over Knives".  I had not seen it, yet, but knew it was on my mental movie list.

So, Sunday afternoon, after Sparky and I had risen at 4:00 am to drive to Skiatook, OK for a road race and then drove home, all I wanted to do was relax and enjoy a movie on the couch cuddled up under an old quilt.  I activated our Netflix and instantly went searching through the documentaries.  There it was, "Forks Over Knives".  Perfect.

Here is the Trailer for those of you interested:

It was a good documentary.  I really enjoyed it.  It motivated me and it confirmed a few things I already thought.  That's all I will say.  I don't like to preach too much.  I like to watch different health and food documentaries to see if and what conflicting information is out there for us.  I also have switched my eating lifestyle and try my best to honor what I believe and say.  I'm not going to lie, being a HUGE food lover, eating what's right for me can be so incredibly tough.  I'm sure you all are fully aware of my dark chocolate, coffee, cupcake, ice cream obsessions.  I love SWEETS.  I need them everyday it seems.  So how do I incorporate & justify these indulgences to feel less guilty?

- dark chocolate.  I say it's better (for you and tasting) than crappy milk chocolate.  I especially dislike over processed fake milk chocolate coated candies.  ack.  I like fresh rich dark chocolate candies.  Yum.  I also LOVE Silk dark chocolate almond milk.  I will sometimes have a little glass after dinner to get my sweet craving knocked out for the day.

- coffee.  I try buying organic and low acidic.  I also have kicked creamers and try to add almond milk or cocoa powder to my coffee.  It has been tough but worth it.  I've also switched to every other day during the week and alternate the off days with either organic green tea or organic chocolate chai tea.  I used to have at least 2-3 MUGS of coffee a day.  Now I'm down to about 5 a week if I get a craving in the afternoon for one and just can't help myself because I've been so good.  If I'm purchasing coffee, I ask for soymilk, sugar free syrups if possible, and refuse the whip cream.

-cupcakes.  You all know I have an addiction to Green Goodies by Tiffany.  They're organic and I normally try to get a vegan cupcake to feel less guilty.  It works in my head.

-ice cream.  I try to limit my dairy intake as much as possible.  I do however, enjoy a little froyo on occasion and now that Green Goodies has frozen yogurt, I'm sure I'll be enjoying it a little bit more than I'd like to admit.  But, if I'm buying a frozen treat for the home, I usually get  soy dream or almond dream.  They are so yummy and decadent.

That's how I feed my sweet tooth and feel less guilty about it.  After watching "Forks Over Knives" I was inspired to eat more plant based foods.  I feel that I have been slacking the last few weeks.  Monday morning I woke up and instead of enjoying bran cereal and an english muffin, I made a fruit smoothie. It was so yummy and I felt so energized the entire day.  It was a great way to start the week.  Below is the smoothie I made.  Maybe incorporating a smoothie in the morning a few days a week will at least make me feel less guilty about enjoying the cheese with my wine.

I don't really have a name for this smoothie.  Let's go with:  Peach Orange Berry smoothie.

I threw in all the following into a blender.  I didn't really have a method or a plan.  That's the beauty of smoothies.

-2 handfuls of Organic frozen peaches
-2 handfuls of Organic frozen blueberries
-half an Organic orange (fresh)
-1/4 cup-ish cranberry juice
-1/2 cup-ish unsweetened almond milk

*I intended to throw in some ginger but forgot in all my crazy excitement.  I'm sure it would have been an amazing addition.  Next time!

Keep on Keepin on.

Hello, March!

I have always loved the month of March.  I don't really have any one specific reason to explain this love for a random single month for me; it's not the month of my birth or any family members of mine.  I think this love for March is a feeling that this month, for me at least, is a turning point every year that provides positive energy and hope for the remaining year.  I know many get this feeling at New Year's, and I do too to some degree, but the month of March is the beginning of possibilities in my opinion.

I can remember back to elementary school learning that March's description is "In like a lion and out like a lamb".  This saying has always stayed with me and every year I check to see if this is true.  I don't necessarily even care if this saying is true, I just like to check in with it.  I don't really care too much if the weather pattern matches the saying because I just know that March is the point I know warmer springlike weather is on the horizon.

I think I always was and am so intrigued by the possibility of such contrast and change in a one month period.  March is a hopeful month because the possibility of change is almost inevitable.  Weather changes and peoples' attitudes change with it.  It seems that many people get excited and get hit with the March-is-hopeful bug.  People are more positive, cheery, social, and all around possess a more bright and pleasant demeanor.

Today is a beautiful day.  It's the first day of March and the temperature will be a whopping 78 degrees and sunny.  I'm opening up the windows and playing outside today after I finish this post.  I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this gorgeous first day of March!  I am hopeful of what the month of March will bring to my home and yours!

Get out and get some vitamin D aka sunshine!

Keep on Keepin on.

Unemployment - Keep Positive, Keep Busy

Today is a beautiful leap day outside.  The sun is shining, there is hardly any wind, and the temperature is supposed to reach a perfect 71 degrees.  I can't believe it is still February.  Rewind back to last week and I thought I would never get well.  I spent most of last week feeling weak, tired, and groggy.  I finally had the flu hit me Thursday night to explain all the cruddiness I had been experiencing.  I became a hermit last week with the exception of teaching a few practice classes at the studio.  

Although the weather outside is tremendously beautiful, I am still feeling a little down on myself.  I did not get the job I was so hopeful about last week.  That tid-bit of information sprung on me Friday and finally hit my reality on Monday.  I'm still undecided on what career path to choose and I'm beginning to get restless.  

I do, however, search for and hold on to all the positives of being unemployed.  Believe me, they do exist and I'm not always down on myself.  I have compiled a small list of the perks of unemployment thus far - because, honestly, I might go insane if didn't do this.

1.  I get to sleep in until 8:00 am or 8:30 am.  This has been nice.  I am typically a morning person and early riser, so stepping of bed at this later time is quite nice.

2.  I get to enjoy my breakfast and coffee slowly and quietly.  There is no rushing to get dressed to get to work or waiting to eat a quick breakfast at my desk when I get to work.

3.  I get to hang out with my dogs all day.  I get to hear them snore at my feet as I peruse facebook the Internet for jobs and hear them chase after bones and squirrels in their dreams.

4.  I get to grocery shop during the weekdays in leisure.  No hurrying, no crowds, no lines, and great parking.

5.  I get to workout during the day and get it done at a decent time rather than late in the evening or early morning.

6.  I can clean the house during the weekdays and have more free time with Sparky on the weekends.  This is one of the things I try to do regularly to pass time.  I average cleaning the floors 3-4 times a week.  When you have 4 shedding dogs it is absolutely necessary.  I may even up this to 5 times a week as it gets warmer.

Those are just a few perks that I enjoy daily.  My days do seem to go by quickly even though it seems I don't talk to many people on a daily basis.  My mornings consist of about 4-5 hours of job searching, job applications if I find anything worth my while, contemplating my future, researching about becoming a freelance writer, and corresponding back and forth through e-mail.  My afternoons I focus on cleaning up the house, doing laundry, and spending some time with the dogs for some sanity on my part.  I am going to start some organizing projects soon and painting projects so that I will have some great tips for you all.  I already re-organized my bookshelf in my office so that post is coming soon.

So my advice to anyone out there in a similar situation as mine is to do everything you can to keep positive and keep busy.  You may not technically have a job to report to everyday, but you should still put yourself on a schedule and stay consistent.  Leave some time for structure and leave some time for fun while you have this opportunity in life for it.  This will help keep your sanity,  I promise.  Your daily life is still full of responsibility so you should definitely take all those responsibilities seriously.  This will help you to be a self-starter which is what many employers are looking for anyway!

Keep on Keepin on.

Confidence and Coffee

Today I am feeling confident.  I have some big decisions still to make but I feel like I'm moving in the right direction.  I feel like I am where I need to be and I will go where I am supposed to go.

When I made the decision to leave my job, my biggest worry wasn't necessarily where am I going to work now (although that was on my mind).  Honestly, my biggest worry was what am I going to do with my time?  I am a restless person by nature.  I can endure, maybe, one day of resting and doing nothing before my mind is racing.  I get bored VERY quickly.  My mind is my best friend and my best adversary all at the same time.  I also drink a lot of coffee; doesn't really help the situation.  I've tried restricting myself to just green tea, but now I just drink both.  I'm weak.  I digress a lot too.

With that said, surprisingly, I've enjoyed my two weeks of unemployment!  I've kept myself busy and even Sparky has quite enjoyed seeing my happy little mug (face, not coffee mug) more often.  He also likes that when he comes home from work & riding his bicycle that the house is cleaned, dinner is made, his laundry is done, and I'm smiling.  I might get the hang of this after all...

Probably not.  There are quite a few things in the works at the same time.  I have options and that's my biggest dilemma right now.  One of the activities that has kept me busy is that I've been training this past month to be a barre3 instructor.  I am so incredibly excited about this opportunity, although it will more than likely be strictly part time.  I am excited about pursuing a passion and promoting health and fitness.  I am also so excited to surround myself with mentally and physically strong women who are also so intelligent and beautiful in so many ways.  It is such a positive atmosphere and I am so excited about this part of my future.

In addition, I have been interviewing at one business nearby.  I have been interviewed four times already and will have my fifth interview today as well.  I have a feeling that I will probably have at least two additional interviews after today's interview.  Apparently I interview well and I should provide interview tips...so I've been told.  Anyway, the position is a great opportunity and so far I am the only person to make it this far in the interview process for this specific position.  I am staying positive and relaxed about it.  

In addition to all the above, a friend of mine and I have been plotting launching our own business!  This  business is something I have dreamt about for years and with her AMAZING talents, I feel that this dream for the both of us may actually come true!  She has been so wonderful and patient with all my ups and downs (mostly downs) this year so far, but I feel I am making a comeback in my confidence.  Today we have a meeting about the business for some professional advice, and we already have a client lined up in March to add to our portfolio.  More details to come soon!

If the job opportunity doesn't pan out, I am flirting with the idea of moving into the freelance world of writing, editing, and proposal consulting...maybe even start writing a book.  That's on the back burner for now until I know more about all the other variables going on right now.

So, I'm planning.  I'm plotting.  I haven't gone into complete seclusion, yet.  And I'm drinking coffee.  Lot's of coffee.

Keep on Keepin on.

Decisions

Life is all about choices...right?  And with all those life choices we are obligated to decisions.  Every day we can make decisions from the simplest or mundane forms to the life altering and life changing.  We are most often exposed to the simple.  The life changing decisions can define who we are or who we want to be in this world; they help build the foundation of our character.  I struggle with decisions every day because I am fearful of their impact on my life and others.

The year of 2012 has forced me into big decisions.  I am grateful for the opportunity and freedom to experience the choices in front of me, but I have never been so afraid in all my life of the impact of my decisions.  A huge part of this fear is because my decisions affect a whole other human being now that I am married (and four little dogs).  The upside is that Sparky is so supportive of whatever path I choose...assuming that I eventually come to peace with a decision.

I am currently unemployed.  Wow.  Typing those four words makes it so real.  I did make the decision to leave my most recent place of employment without a real plan.  This is the first time I've ever stepped out on my own without a solid plan.  I am a planner.  I am a controller.  I make sure I know what happens next and at least five steps afterward.  It is my nature and always has been.  Fear consumes me every millisecond of ever moment I breathe.  But, more importantly, I know my value.  Self worth will always overcome fear; that is what I repeat to myself.

I may not have solid plans, but I have ideas.  I am excited to share my ideas with the world, mold my ideas into plans, and make my ideas my reality.

Keep on Keepin on.

Chihuahua, It's Cold Outside

It is a cloudy, rainy, wintry day and although I enjoy any reason to cuddle and drink coffee while wrapped in a blanket with cozy house socks comforting my rice paddy feet, Miss Harley does not like chilly weather whatsoever.  She is wondering when Spring is going to arrive!  Her little Chihuahua body is in need of sunshine!

Keep on Keepin on.

New Posts On Their Way

It has been so long since I last provided a new post.  At the same time, so much has happened and changed that I can't wait to share it with you all.  I have some new posts and things in the works that I think you all would be so excited about!  I promise to start sharing soon.  Keep checking back for some upcoming excitement! 

Meanwhile...enjoy some laughter while I'm away creating some greatness.

Keep on Keepin on.

Long Weekend Rundown

Sparky and I had a long holiday weekend jam-packed full of greatness.  We took advantage of the 3-day weekend by making it a 4-day weekend instead.  It was glorious.  We played hard and got a little bit of rest somewhere in there.

Our weekend consisted of (I'll try to go in order if possible):
3 barre3 workouts
140 miles of bicycling
Home depot looky-loos
Antique shopping
Being a landlord
Picking up our honeymoon travel docs
A little travel necessity shopping at Traveler's Pack
Cookout at Natalie's (YUMMM) and meeting new peeps
Random summer thunder and rain
Comforting dogs frightened by thunder
Yard work
Brunch with friends at Cafe Kacao (one of our new faves)
Naptime
Saw the movie "Bad Teacher"
Scrumptious veggie lasagna and red pepper potato soup at Saturn Grill
Delicous homemade Vegan blueberry pancakes using this recipe with almond milk and fresh blueberries
Indoor rock climbing at Rocktown
Cleaning out storage shed (ack)
Pizza at The Wedge with friends
Washing machine war

Episode of "Falling Skies" and staying up late cause we can

Washing machine shopping and amazing sales (yay!)

Ordering a veggie burger and eating two bites of beef burger (grrr)
Moving all tools from garage to storage shed (ack) to make it a tool shed (yay)
House cleaning (ack)
Playing with my label maker (woo hoo)

I think I need a nap!  What did you do this past holiday weekend?  Did you relax and get some much needed rest or did you play hard?

Keep on Keepin on.

Inspiration: Kitchens

I have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a long time.  I frequently pine over other blogs and websites that feature beautifully renovated kitchens.  Oh to have new functional cabinets and more storage for organization.  sigh.

Sparky and I have two rooms in our house that need some serious reno-love.  The master bath and our kitchen.  The master bath is smaller so Sparky says that room needs to be done first because it will be "easier".  We'll see about that very soon.  Plus, we need to save up valuable green stuff before we can start renovating the kitchen.  blah.

blah blah blah blah. 

I want a new kitchen.

Realistically, I know I will probably have to wait about two years before we get the kitchen up to par...so I guess I'll just dream and drool at all other's luckier than I.  In the mean time, I'm contemplating doing my own psuedo-lite transformation.  I little sanding, paint, and re-organization never hurt anything right??

Enjoy some of my dreamy kitchens.

I love the wood counter top and white cabinets...oh, and maybe the beautiful retro fridge!!  Oh, dear.  I love that thing.  She needs to be mine.

Vintage Flare Kitchen Remodel via Curbly

I don't think I can love a kitchen more than this one.  This is my fave by far.  I love the ceiling beams, the white subway tile, the farm sink, the island with the wood counter top, and the white wood floors.  Love love love love.

Natural Wood Countertops

I love all the tile on the walls and the farm sink.  Even though this kitchen isn't my style, I do like the contrasting island color to the rest of the cabinets.  I do love the metal bar stools too!

Back Island and White cabinets and tile

Keep on Keepin on.

Handmade Hanging Planter Boxes

A few months ago, Sparky and I were perusing one of our local greenhouses when I spotted a super cute and simple hanging planter.  I am not normally one for hanging flower planters but I really liked the one I saw that day.  It had a modern and Asian feel to it.  It was just wooden slats stacked to form a box.  The problem?  It was pricey...and I didn't really care for the flowers already in it.  I was contemplating getting it because I like it that much and I rarely like things very much.  Then Sparky set himself up by saying, "I could totally make that.  That's a rip-off."  So, I held him to it.  He made me the super simple, modern, Asian-feel hanging planters...all for free!

Luckily Sparky has a bunch of random crap laying around in our garage.  I don't know what half the stuff is and I prefer it that way.  If I start getting up all in his business then I will take control of it and it's best if I just let him have his garage crap the way it is...with a few minor must-have's and have-not's for the Mrs.  

Items used:
Wooden Stakes
Metal chain
Electrical Wire

Tools used:
Hand saw
Straight Edge
Pen
Drill
2 pliers

Sparky had a box of wooden stakes leftover from a cycling race that was just taking up space in our garage.  They were perfect for this project!  I'm sure you can find the amount of wooden pieces or stakes at your local home improvement store.  I wouldn't doubt it if these particular stakes came from Lowes or Home Depot.

Sparky started by cutting all the wooden stakes' sharp points off and also cutting the stakes to the desired size. 

Sparky then lined 15 stakes together.  He used a leveler for his straight edge to draw a straight line across all the stakes.  This line is the spot on each stake that a hole will need to be drilled.  He then repeated this step on the other end of the stakes so that there are two parallel lines.

Sparky then drilled a hole in each stake at each end where the line was drawn.  He tried to get it as center as possible on on each stake.

The next step was to start stacking the stakes in a square shape and to line up the holes as best as he could.

After the stakes were stacked to our desired height, Sparky then used the wire to snake through all the holes and tie all the stakes together.  He used pliers to cut the electrical wire.

When all four sides corners were tied, Sparky then took 5 more stakes and drilled them to the bottom of the box leaving spaces in between each stake to allow for future drainage.

Sparky had a bunch of this random metal chain laying in the garage.  He measured out the length from one corner diagonally to the other corner and guessed how much extra link would be needed to hang the planter.  He un-linked the chain (using two pliers) at the desired spot and then measured out an identical length for the other diagonal.

He then linked the chain to the electrical wire and tightened them together.  He repeated on all four corners.

Voila.

Free handmade hanging planters using materials already owned.  Sparky made a total of four boxes in about 1 hour. 

We used moss at the bottom of the planter so that dirt would not fall through the spaces.  It also gives it a nice look with little bits of moss peaking out of the little slats.

*Yes, my flowers are dying.  It's been hot and I have a black thumb.  I've moved the flowers into the shade to see if I can save the poor babies.

Keep on Keepin on.

Planter Boxes

The Start.  You can see that Sparky had already stained the deck and the "big" pergola.  The front was left alone after the "vision" of planters popped in Sparky's head and he was determined to build large planter boxes on the front of the deck.

Sparky first started  by building a frame along the already existing step.  We had so much left over decking wood from the deck and pergola that we just used it for these planter boxes. 

One large piece of wood was cut to fit the exact size of the very font of the step.  The two side pieces were cut to size but also each end was cut at an angle.  Sparky drilled decking screws into the pieces to attach.

Be sure to have your Project Manager "on deck" to oversee your work as you go.  

Sparky measured and cut one piece of wood the length from one end to end.  He then cut each end at an angle to match up with the previously cut side pieces already anchored and cut at an angle.  Sparky drilled decking screws to attach the pieces.

Sparky then repeated these same steps for the left side of the deck on the other side of the step.  The left side is longer than the right side, so he was sure to measure each separately to meet each sides' specifications. 

He then started the bottoms.  The main frames of the planter boxes are floating, leaving a large space between the frame and the ground.  Sparky went back and fourth between wood and galvanized metal to fill this space.  He wanted a modern look.  The galvanized metal was a great idea, but the in the end, the wood "legs" won.  We already had the wood and the wood was more structurally supporting.  Plus, if we decide later to do the galvanized metal, we can always screw the metal into the wood and then remove again if we choose that too.  It's win win this way.

The "legs" were accomplished by just taking the long decking wood and cutting to the height needed.  It doesn't have to be absolutely perfect because they will eventually be covered at the top.

You can also see here that Sparky is attaching a back deck board to close of the box in the back.

Be sure your Project Manager approves all decisions.  They have to at least feel involved throughout the process.

Be sure to make a mess.

Take a break without informing your Quality Control Manager.  Leaving them dumbfounded about your whereabouts is always fun.

Repeat the bottom slats to the other side.

Sparky then used 1x4 boards to frame the top.  He cut each side to length with angled edges.  He then drilled each piece in to the main frame allowing for an overhang from the main frame.

Sparky also lined the planter box with a weed resistant liner.

Be sure to have a Chihuahua come sniff out your work.

Before Sparky filled the planter boxes with dirt and soil, he filled the boxes about 1/3 of the way with old glass and plastic bottles.  This will save you from having to fill the whole box with soil when the plants will only use a bit of it.

Sparky then stained the planter boxes to match the rest of the deck and pergola and then we went plant shopping!  Yay!

We ended up with 5 White Pampas and 2 Red Yuccas total.

...and a sleepy Project Manager...

I think the Red Yucca look a little space alien/creature-ish.  But Sparky LOVES them.  To each his own right?



 Voila!  New planter boxes.  I think Sparky did a pretty good job.

I apologize for my crappy instructions.  I pretty much watched for the most part and only held a board up when asked.  I'm super helpful.

 

Keep on Keepin on.

Anthropologie Quilt

I have to admit that I am one of those people that love to change out bedding.  I am obsessed with bedding.  What I am not obsessed with is bedding prices.  So, I don't get new bedding near as often as I would love to primarily for this reason.  The other reason?  I live with 4 dogs and a gross boy.  Just sayin.  All the bedding I drool over are typically white or grey and those colors and fabrics don't mesh well with my motley crew.

My latest lovey is the Rosette Quilt from Antropologie in Heather Grey.  Oh, it is so super dreamy.  And expensive.  Ick. 

You could only imagine how my multiple month long depression reacted when I saw Kokodesigns tutorial on how to make your very own!  For around $30!  Shut the front dang door, peeps!  I'm still giddy.  I might learn how to sew for this dang DIY project and I'm absolutely serious about that.  That will be a whole other comical blog post in itself.

So, enjoy Kojodesign's Anthro inspired Rosette quilt.  This is truly miraculous.

Keep on Keepin on.

A Task Filled Weekend and A Treat

Sparky and I mostly Sparky accomplished a lot off of our "to-do" list this past weekend.  I can't wait to share the photos of all the goods.  For now, here is a list to get you excited:

1. Cleaned the house (not too exciting; but very necessary)
2. Got some new "grasses" that are drought tolerant to put in our newly finished planter boxes attached to the deck!!!  Huge accomplishment.
3. Finished staining the small pergola!
4. Prepared another raised planter box for herbs or in Sparky's words, "whatever you choose to throw in there"...
5. Checked out the OKC Farmer's Market.   
6. Got our grocery shopping done for the week.
7. Walked around the Plaza district and checked out an awesome retro store...called RetroOKC.  Super cool.
8. Got a couple of Green Goodies Cupcakes.  yum.

Keep on Keepin on.

Sparky and His Sunflowers

Sparky loves him some Sunflowers.  I know.  Random. 

As Spring has arrived, Sparky and I have been anxious to pretty up our yards once again.  We love planting and gardening and building a better home and Spring has shown to be the time when we get all "ba-jig-adee"...yeah.  bajigadee.

Our recent trips to TLC and Lowes have brought us colorful and sustainable plants and flowers.  I finally got my daylilies and succulants, while Sparky got more green and ground coverage.  I'm always screaming "I want color!" while Sparky always wants more "green" or grasslike plants.  Which, don't get me wrong, I love green and grassy stuff but dang it..."I NEED COLOR!!"

Anyway, the one colorful flower Sparky L.O.V.E.'s is a sunflower.  Me?  I'm not too much of a fan of the sunflower but I can tolerate them if it allows for some dang color.  Beggers can't be choosers, right?  So, he picked up some little bags of sunflowers seeds during one of our trips to Lowes. 

This year we've decided to move our vegetable garden when the time comes to plant those little gems.  So, we went ahead and tossed the little sunflower seeds in one straight long line in the old raised beds along our East fence in the backyard.  This area gets so much sun! 

These little guys are amazing.  They've already started sprouting!  They've only been in the ground for about a week and a half and are doing amazing even though Ruby keeps digging them up.  grrr.

I love that the shells are still holding on!

Peek-a-boo

Ruby thinks this is her play area.  The Jaws song warning of a dangerous shark approaching always comes to mind when I see her approaching restricted territory.

Project post coming soon:  Sparky's floating flower beds.

Keep on Keepin on.

Picture Wall

I mentioned a while back about the empty wall in our front living room that was to be dedicated to a few of my piddly photographs.  I actually had the photos up shortly after that post but have yet to post about it. 

I had made a random trip to the local Target, probably out of boredom, and stumbled happily upon some picture frames on clearance.  They were wood frames already matted to 8"x10".  I can't remember now, but I'm pretty confident they were discounted to somewhere under $10 each.  Which was great because I was looking for 4 total!  And 4 frames they had.  I also got a 5"x7" frame that matched.

This is the bare wall before (ew)

 And here are some "After" shots.  (I really need to work on my indoor photo skills.)

Each of our dogs are in a row with a photo of Sparky and I in the middle. awwwwww.

View from my "spot" on the sofa.

And if you didn't notice, I went ahead and splurged on two pillows I was stalking at Target.  I was hoping they would go on sale, but they never did.  I gave in...willingly. 

Keep on Keepin on.